Tuesday, June 13, 2017

June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

June is a very important month for organizations, nationwide, that work with the community to find permanent homes for rescued cats. June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. You may wonder why June was chosen as the month for this very special service. The short answer- June is kitten season. It is the time of the year when cats give birth, and flood animal shelters and rescue groups across the nation with homeless litters. More than 3 million cats end up in shelters each year. This situation makes it more difficult for shelters to find permanent homes for their rescue cats. National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month was created to bring awareness and encourage people to ADOPT a shelter cat rather than purchase one from a pet shop.

A new survey of American adults shows that a majority of cat owners believe that cats are intelligent (77%) and independent (71%), which confirms what many of us already know – cats are smart animals that make excellent companions.

They are also skilled hunters that will help keep the bug population down in your home, as well as those hair-raising lizards, mice, moths, etc.

Another good reason to adopt a cat is they make the great cuddle companions. They are warm and fuzzy and love to snuggle.

And finally…most importantly, you will be saving a life. Each year 3-4 million unadopted shelter cats are eventually euthanized. You could be the one who saves a life.

But what if you can’t adopt?

Here are some easy ways you can still help:

Donate to your favorite animal rescue organization. Not just money, but old towels/blankets, pillows, collars, etc. Ask the shelter about food needs.

Donate your Facebook status. Just paste this message into the “What’s on your mind?” box at the top of your page: “June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Save a life: Adopt a cat! https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=PA695”

Share an adoptable cat, cat-care or adoption article or any other appropriate story through your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter accounts each day of the month.

Sign up as a foster parent or shelter volunteer then tell your friends how great it is. Contact your local shelter, ASPCA, etc. to register as a volunteer.

Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation. Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and other up-and-comers about animal shelters and why Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and pet adoption in general, is important.

As part of the ASPCA’s 150th anniversary celebration, a campaign has been created to inspire the nation to take 150,000 actions for animals in just 150 days! If you adopt a cat, help a stray or donate your time to animals in need during Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, be sure to log your action for the chance win a $150,000 grand prize for your favorite shelter!